Evaluating Traditional Systems and 2026 Business Frameworks

El Houni asked the speakers to share what keeps them "on-point" at work and what suggestions they have for the audience. Hamad Al Hajri, CEO and Creator of Snoonu said it was "essential to construct boundaries" in between work and individual life and take short holidays to "detach" from the office.

Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra tech, reacted that "the finest advice is to continuously challenge yourself" while likewise making sure a healthy sleep and workout regimen. Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah pointed out that to stand out and "to be near your client, you have to be passionate about your work and understand consumers' requirements". Karim Benkirane, CCO of Du, said: "If you make the people you work with happy, you will make the consumer delighted, who will then make the investors happy."Ambareen Musa, CEO for Revolut GCC, stated the ability to "not panic" is the key to finding a service for problems.

This week, we're convening more than 3000 conferences between financiers and 119 Gulf-listed companies with a combined value of $2.4 trillion at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference 2026, in London. We're combining investors, companies, exchanges, and policymakers to discuss what is changing in the region, and what comes next, consisting of the growth and ongoing development of the Gulf's capital markets, and the region's growing role in global networks of capital and trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE are poised to lead the Gulf region's economic growth in 2026, supported by strong private-sector performance, resistant domestic need and renewed investment momentum, according to the most recent ICAEW Economic Insight Q4 2025 report, produced by Oxford Economics. The GCC is anticipated to exceed most worldwide areas peers next year, with regional GDP forecast to grow by 4.4%. Throughout the GCC, non-energy activity is projected to expand by 4.1% in 2026, driven by strong labour markets, enhancing credit conditions and rising investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

How to Maintain a Competitive Advantage in Dubai

Oil incomes will be under pressure in the very first half of 2026, production is expected to increase again in the second half of 2026, supporting the region's medium-term outlook, it specified. Saudi Arabia will remain a major contributor to GCC momentum, with GDP projection to grow 4.3% in 2026.

Growth will be supported by commercial expansion and policy reforms, consisting of eased foreign ownership guidelines that intend to stimulate more investment. The fiscal deficit is projected to widen to 5.6% of GDP next year amid softer oil prices, while the recent five-year lease freeze in Riyadh intends to relieve inflationary pressures, though it might constrain future housing supply.

Strong domestic fundamentalsThe UAE is likewise placed for another strong year of efficiency, with GDP projection to increase 5.6% in 2026 as non-oil sectors continue to broaden. Tourist, trade and monetary services stay essential development motorists, supported by population development and sustained domestic demand. Dubai's economy grew 4.4% in the very first half of 2025, reflecting broad-based non-oil strength.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Oil production is expected to select up once again in the second half of 2026, matching continuous investment in facilities, innovation and global trade partnerships. Hanadi Khalife, the Head of Middle East, ICAEW, said: "This quarter's outlook enhances how far the GCC has come in structure varied, resistant and worldwide competitive economies.

Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Consultant, and Chief Economic Expert and Handling Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE are entering 2026 with strong foundations. Saudi non-oil activity is getting speed, supported by robust need and rising financial investment, even as financial pressures increase.""The UAE continues to take advantage of solid domestic basics, a sharp uplift in government spending and sustained diversification efforts.

Will Strategic Analytics Drive Middle East Corporate Success?

GCC nations are pivoting towards a method of 'strength over growth' getting in 2026, as the area prepares for a worldwide landscape specified by softer oil costs, geopolitical fragmentation, and the quick transition to an AI-enabled economy. According to a brand-new local outlook by PwC, the GCC is moving to insulate its development from external shocks by deepening international trade combination, securing commercial supply chains, and executing a decisive shift from innovation ambition to functional execution.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Negotiations for Free Trade Arrangements with China, the EU, and Japan are advancing, while talks with the UK have actually gotten in final drafting phases. The area is progressively positioning itself as a central center for east-west trade through the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC). To support domestic production, securing important minerals has ended up being a strategic concern.